World Map in 500 BC
This world map shows state borders in 500 BC. The largest states and empires were Achaemenid Empire, Zhou states, Hindu kingdoms, Carthaginian Empire and Meroe. The map stays in use until the next recorded border change in 400 BC.
Open the world in 500 BC in the interactive map
Largest states and empires in 500 BC
Areas are approximate, from the historical border data.
| State | Approx. area | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Achaemenid Empire | 5.95 million km² | Europe |
| Zhou states | 1.55 million km² | Asia |
| Hindu kingdoms | 1.42 million km² | Asia |
| Carthaginian Empire | 630,000 km² | Europe |
| Meroe | 310,000 km² | Africa |
| Greek city-states | 250,000 km² | Europe |
| Adena Culture | 230,000 km² | – |
| Magadha | 190,000 km² | Asia |
| Saba | 100,000 km² | Africa |
| Chavin | 80,000 km² | – |
| Kuru | 70,000 km² | Asia |
| Pancala | 70,000 km² | Asia |
| Simhala | 60,000 km² | Asia |
| Avanti | 60,000 km² | Asia |
| Surasena | 50,000 km² | Asia |
| Olmec | 50,000 km² | – |
| Gandhāra | 40,000 km² | Asia |
| Boii | 40,000 km² | Europe |
| Etruscans | 30,000 km² | Europe |
| Kosala | 30,000 km² | Asia |
| Kasi | 20,000 km² | Asia |
| Sabines | 10,000 km² | Europe |
| Samnites | 10,000 km² | Europe |
| Malla | 10,000 km² | Asia |
| Vatsa | 10,000 km² | Asia |
| Rome | 0 km² | Europe |
Regional maps
- Europe in 500 BC (map image) · open in the interactive map
- Asia in 500 BC (map image) · open in the interactive map
- Africa in 500 BC (map image) · open in the interactive map
- Oceania in 500 BC (map image) · open in the interactive map
- Europe in 500 BC: rulers and events
Key events, 500 BC to 401 BC
| Year | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 490 BC | Persian Wars: Battle of Marathon | Battle of Marathon |
| 480 BC | Thermopylae and Salamis | Battle of Salamis |
| 431 BC | The Peloponnesian War begins | Athens |
| 404 BC | Athens surrenders to Sparta | Athens |
Battles and sites in this period
- Battle of Marathon · 490 BC
- Battle of Thermopylae · 480 BC
- Battle of Salamis · 480 BC